2013 Texas CASA Conference

Last week, Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA)’s President/CEO, Rick Cooke, and Vice President of Programs, Yolanda Valenzuela, were two of over 500 executive directors, program staff, board members, judges, volunteers, and other child welfare professionals that attended the 2013 Texas CASA Conference: Fierce Advocacy - the CASA Way in San Marcos, Texas. The event is held annually to educate, enhance skills, and provide a forum for networking to improve advocacy for children in the foster care system.

This year’s conference was focused specifically on “fierce advocacy”, which is defined by Texas CASA as not settling for less than the best for the children in the child protective system. More specifically, it means:

Following up and following through on the needs of the assigned child

Inspiring others involved in the delivery of services

Encouraging the child

Rallying all involved in the child’s case towards a successful outcome

Collaborating, communicating, and being compassionate

Empowering the children to speak up for what is important to them

Additionally, at this year’s conference Yolanda Valenzuela was awarded the Texas CASA Go Give! Award. This award recognizes the hard work of a CASA staff member who has shown leadership in advancing the CASA organization. It is underwritten by the Mary Kay Corporation in recognition of selfless leadership. We are thrilled to celebrate this amazing accomplishment of one of our very own CASA staff members!